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Greensboro, N.C. (Jan. 25, 2022) — In honor and commemoration, ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Agricultural and Technical State University will celebrate the life and legacy of alumnus Ronald E. McNair ‘71, Jan. 28, 2022, at noon, via the virtual live stream presentation, “Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Ronald E. McNair: Breaking Barriers-A Celebration of STEM Success.” Free is required. 

Part of an annual celebration, the event will include special greetings by ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Chancellor Harold L. Martin Sr.; City of Greensboro Mayor Nancy Vaughn; and McNair’s wife Cheryl McNair as well as several science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students who recognize McNair as a pioneer, leader and unspoken mentor and hero. Many will elaborate on the inspiration and impact of McNair on their lives. Additionally, several alumni will reflect on how McNair’s body of work influences them professionally.

McNair graduated from ÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ in 1971 with a B.S. in physics and went on to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned his Ph.D. in physics five years later. In 1978, McNair, one of the first African American astronauts, was selected as a mission specialist astronaut for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Space Shuttle Program. On Jan. 28, 1986, he was aboard the Challenger for his second mission when it experienced fatal malfunctions upon takeoff. McNair died along with six other crew members.

The virtual program will also include presentations from library archives featuring video of McNair, footage of the newly renovated university planetarium housed in the physics department and reflections from McNair’s beloved fraternity Omega Psi Phi.

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